Other Criminal Law
5. If You Have Been Charged
Authors: Staff Legal Eagle
Firm / Chambers:
Last updated: 12 Jul 2015
- If you have been charged with a criminal offence you should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. You can use our free Find a Lawyer directory to contact a lawyer near you.
- If you have been released on bail you must ensure you abide by your bail conditions and attend court when required.
- Ask the police officer who charged you for your brief of evidence if it has not already been given to you. The brief of evidence includes all the material the police are relying to support their case against you. This includes:
- charge sheets;
- a statement or summary of the facts;
- the statements of witnesses;
- photos or copies of exhibits;
- a copy of your police interview;
- a copy of your bail undertaking; and
- your criminal record.
- If you have been released on bail you should read the bail conditions and make sure you understand all of them. If you have any doubts or are not sure then you need to speak with the police or your lawyer.
- Make a note of the next court date and ensure you attend on the date listed at the time specified with or without a lawyer
- If you cannot afford a lawyer contact Legal Aid in your state or territory to see if you qualify for a grant of legal aid:
- in Victoria contact Victoria Legal Aid:
- in New South Wales contact Legal Aid NSW:
- in Queensland contact Legal Aid Queensland:
- in South Australia contact the Legal Services Commission of South Australia:
- in Western Australia contact Legal Aid WA:
- in Tasmania contact the Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania:
- in the Northern Territory contact the Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission:
- In the Australian Capital Territory contact Legal Aid ACT:
- Take the brief of evidence including all documents and photographs with you when you see your lawyer.
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